Saudi Arabian Football Federation President Yasser Al-Misehal has announced his resignation following the Green Falcons' elimination from the group stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026, taking full responsibility for the national team's disappointing campaign.
Saudi Arabia finished bottom of Group H with two points after drawing 1-1 with Uruguay, holding Cape Verde to a goalless draw, and suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to Spain, ending their hopes of reaching the Round of 32.
In a statement posted on social media, Al-Misehal apologized to Saudi football supporters, admitting the team's failure to advance fell well below expectations.
"The national team's failure to qualify for the next round of the World Cup falls short of all our ambitions, and I bear full responsibility for this result," Al-Misehal said. "I apologize to everyone who hoped to see our team achieve a better outcome."
He added that stepping down was the right decision to allow Saudi football to move forward.
"A sense of responsibility requires opening a new chapter, and I have decided not to continue until the end of my current term," he said.
Al-Misehal served as president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation for seven years, overseeing one of the country's most transformative periods in football.
During his tenure, Saudi Arabia secured the hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, a landmark achievement aligned with the Kingdom's broader Vision 2030 strategy.
The resignation follows a turbulent period for the national team. French coach Hervé Renard departed earlier this year after a disappointing run of friendly results, ending his second spell in charge after returning to replace Italian coach Roberto Mancini.
Despite Saudi Arabia investing nearly $2 billion in football over the past three years and attracting global stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema to the Saudi Pro League, the national team's early World Cup exit has prompted significant changes at the top of Saudi football.
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